Introducing MH Lighting

PeterW · #1 03-11-2005, 08:19 AM

I am adding two 175watt MH into my 72gallon tank. I am planning to keep my 260 watt PC light in the front and the MH in the back of the tank.

What is a good way to introduce the MH into the tank without shocking the fish and coral? Anyone with experience?

I have a glass cover for my tank and was planning to keep it there to prevent salt water from getting on the MH. Is this a good idea or do people not like cover when they have MH lighting?

Thanks.

Peter

Nemo · #2 03-11-2005, 08:32 AM

Well what was recomended to me and I think it worked well is the following:
first day for about 3 hours
and add about 1 hour per day after that

Jaws · #3 03-11-2005, 08:36 AM

Personally, I'd remove the glass. As long as you clean the MH's with rubbing alcohol every three months or so, they'll be fine.

Samw · #4 03-11-2005, 08:42 AM

Peter, so much for your budget. Didn't take too long.

If you keep a lid on your main tank, make sure you keep your sump open and have a fan blow across it for evaporative cooling. My tank already hits 27-28C during the winter time with an open top and a fan blowing across the top.

PeterW · #5 03-11-2005, 08:56 AM

Thanks all for your advice, everyone. So far leaning to having an open top.

I like the idea of gradually introducing the light. Sounds like a good idea. Thanks for sharing the details.

No, didn't take me long to get MH. Budget? What budget?

Bought it used so that helped.

I think another Canreefer said it best " .. my next hobby will include ripping up hundred dollar bills" LOL

Peter

Chin_Lee · #6 03-11-2005, 03:14 PM

I keep glass over my tank. I clean it evey month or so and my corals are doing fine.
I decided to do this after I saw those Hamilton Tech/PFO MH hood setups also put glass in their fixture. Stircrazy also did some tests and showed the glass is fine as long as they are clean.
clee

danny zubot · #7 03-11-2005, 04:10 PM

I have no choice but to have glass on mine, its what my MH and PCs sit on. I have to clean it monthly as well and it does add a bit of heat. Given the option I'd remove it for that purpose. My next tank will have an open top where my lights are hung with no glass top.

vanreefer · #8 03-11-2005, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterW

I am adding two 175watt MH into my 72gallon tank. I am planning to keep my 260 watt PC light in the front and the MH in the back of the tank.

What is a good way to introduce the MH into the tank without shocking the fish and coral? Anyone with experience?
Thanks.
Peter

What I did when going from pc's to 2 250 MH is got some screendoor material from home deopt, I put three layers of it ontop of the glass top and took off a layer every five days I had no problems

...everything adjusted beautifully. I will note that my lights are 12" above my tank, I probably wouldn't do that if they were sitting on the glass lid

KJust my change from a nickle...
Dano